AGP Executive Report

Mental Health & Men’s Support: A Washington County, Ohio event called “Hey man, you matter” is pushing back against stigma by encouraging men to talk about depression and suicidal thoughts and connect with local resources. Public Safety (Roads): An Auglaize County crash left one motorcyclist dead and two others seriously hurt after an SUV turned into the motorcycle’s path; investigators are still looking into what happened. Public Safety (Violence): Cuyahoga Falls police say an 18-year-old has been charged in a fatal, domestic-related shooting; authorities say there’s no threat to the public. Food Safety Recall: The FDA is warning about a recall of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Ohio, after concerns that the frozen snack may contain metal pieces. Community Health Research (Ohio University): Ohio University researchers won a major NIH grant to expand opioid use disorder treatment support in primary care across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia, aiming to close the gap between research and real-world prescribing. Clinical Tools: Ohio University Libraries says it will add UpToDate access starting July 1 for students and clinicians using Ohio credentials.

Water Safety Alert: Great Parks shut down all water activities at Winton Lake after a sewage leak and elevated E. coli levels, with handwashing stations posted and fishing/kayaking/paddleboarding paused while crews flush and repair the damaged pipe. Public Health & Community Care: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand opioid use disorder treatment support in primary care across about 40 clinics in Ohio and West Virginia, aiming to close the gap between evidence and real-world prescribing. Local Preparedness: Columbiana County emergency officials reported strong FEMA drill results for a radiological emergency plan tied to Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station, highlighting ongoing readiness in the 10-mile zone. Mental Health Outreach: In Hubbard, a nonprofit expands “Zell Yeah Designs,” using motorcycle patch sewing to open conversations about suicide prevention and post-loss support. Health & Wellness Access: East Liverpool’s Thompson Park Pool sets a June 17 opening, with local hospital auxiliary funding covering free passes for eligible students. Wildlife Disease Watch: Hamilton County confirmed rabies in a bat, the second case in the city in about three weeks. Workforce Snapshot: Ohio unemployment claims rose in the latest reporting period, with state jobless claims and national filings both ticking up.

Opioid Treatment Access: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand a primary-care model that helps clinicians prescribe medication for opioid use disorder, scaling from a pilot to about 40 clinics across Ohio and West Virginia. Clinical Resources: Ohio University Libraries is adding UpToDate access starting July 1, giving students and clinicians point-of-care guidance across medical fields. Medicaid Fallout: A DeWine Medicaid fraud crackdown is leaving some families with high-needs children without direct support services, raising concerns about how “metrics” enforcement affects care continuity. Food Safety: Fry Pie Factory issued a voluntary recall of Pepperoni Rolls in Ohio and parts of West Virginia due to misbranding (undeclared milk) and refrigeration process issues; also, local food inspections flagged missing handwashing signage and hygiene problems. Blood Supply: The American Red Cross is urging Ohio-area donors to give blood or platelets as summer travel drives a sharp supply drop. PFAS Fight: EPA is taking comments on proposed PFAS drinking-water rule rollbacks, while a court fight over PFAS discharges into the Ohio River continues. Public Health & Safety: Ohio’s “Operation Spring Cleaning” led to 122 arrests in a statewide human trafficking crackdown, including referrals to health and social services for survivors.

Opioid Treatment Expansion: Ohio University researcher Berkeley Franz won a nearly $4M NIH grant to help primary care clinics prescribe medication for opioid use disorder, scaling a pilot model across about 40 Ohio and West Virginia clinics. Mental Wellness Through Literacy: Ohio’s Department of Behavioral Health launched “Reading for Resiliency,” partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to use shared reading as a prevention tool for family connectedness and lifelong mental wellness. LGBTQ+ Health Data Push: Greater Columbus INSIGHT is collecting local health and well-being data on LGBTQ+ adults to close gaps left by missing surveillance. Care Access Under Threat: A House rider would block FY 2027 funding for CMS’s AI-driven WISeR prior authorization program, but WISeR is still operating for now in six states. Public Health Q&A: A “To Your Good Health” column tackles MMR decisions for adults on biologic meds, emphasizing that proven measles history can change vaccine needs. Food Safety: FDA updated a frozen pizza recall in 21 states tied to possible metal contamination, with families facing a delayed formal risk classification. Community Safety & Wellness: Ohio ODNR is investigating a June 10 drowning at Alum Creek State Park; meanwhile, local groups are organizing blood drives as “trauma season” ramps up.

Opioid Treatment Access: Ohio University researcher Berkeley Franz won a nearly $4M NIH grant to expand a primary-care model for prescribing medication for opioid use disorder across about 40 Ohio and West Virginia clinics, aiming to close the gap between proven treatment and real-world practice. Clinical Support for Providers: Ohio University Libraries will add UpToDate access starting July 1, giving clinicians and students point-of-care decision support via web or mobile login. Oral Health Awareness: P&G and the American Academy of Family Physicians released survey findings showing 76% of Americans care about oral health, but only 3% link it to whole-body health—highlighting missed education around connections like heart disease and diabetes. Medicaid Nursing Home Fix: Ohio lawmakers approved an $875M Medicaid payment to correct a yearslong formula error that shortchanged nursing homes after an Ohio Supreme Court ruling. Public Health & Safety: A Cincinnati firefighter died after a duty-related medical illness, and a child was hospitalized after being hit by a car in Colerain Township.

Opioid Care Expansion: Ohio University researchers won a nearly $4M NIH grant to scale a primary-care model for opioid use disorder treatment across about 40 Ohio and West Virginia clinics, aiming to close the gap between proven meds and real-world prescribing. Maternal & Baby Health: A Dr. Roach Q&A highlights whooping cough protection in pregnancy, stressing that the key step is getting the Tdap vaccine in the second trimester (breastfeeding alone offers limited protection). Medicaid Oversight & Nursing Home Payments: Ohio lawmakers approved an $875M payment package after the Ohio Supreme Court said the state shortchanged nursing homes, while other coverage shows lawmakers tightening Medicaid personal care oversight amid fraud concerns. Election Rules: Ohio Republicans advanced a constitutional photo ID amendment for in-person voting on the November ballot and passed rules requiring a copy of ID for absentee voting. Public Health Research: Bowling Green State University’s George Bullerjahn helped shape a global research priority plan to prevent toxic algal blooms, a threat tied to toxins and past Toledo water crisis impacts. Local Health Access: Ohio University Libraries will add UpToDate access starting July 1 for students and clinicians. Community Safety: Police and courts in the region continue dog-attack and animal cruelty cases, including appeals over “vicious” dog designations and a plea deal in a starvation case.

Public Health & Safety: Toledo police issued an arrest warrant for 20-year-old Ka Nye Taylor and released photos of a suspected second shooter after a weekend festival shooting that wounded 12 people; investigators say the violence grew from a dispute between rival groups, with rewards offered through Crime Stoppers and the U.S. Marshals. State Policy: Ohio lawmakers are set to vote on the state’s first data center rules, including limits on sales tax breaks, new water-use standards, and requirements tied to connection costs—an issue that has split industry groups and neighbors. Healthcare Access & Innovation: A new aquatic therapy facility in Hubbard expands rehab options for chronic pain, mobility issues, and fall-risk patients, adding a dedicated therapy pool and more pediatric care. Local Health Infrastructure: Geauga Public Health’s state-mandated operation and maintenance rollout is moving into Phase 4 for Chardon Township septic systems, with more residents expected to receive notices. Wellness & Prevention: A Cleveland-area dietitian shares heart-healthy grocery tips, emphasizing fiber, healthy fats, and watching added sugar and sodium. Global Health Investment: Maharashtra signed an MoU with Cleveland Clinic and partners to build a 250-acre Navi Mumbai International MediCity, aiming to create jobs and an integrated healthcare research ecosystem.

Public Health & Safety: Toledo police say the Old West End Festival shooting that left 12 people injured stemmed from a dispute between rival groups, with gunfire exchanged after a chase and fight; investigators are still searching for suspects. Violence as a Health Issue: Dayton leaders are working to secure state funding and expand violence-fighting strategies, framing violence interruption as a community-wide public health crisis. Food & Supplement Safety: The FDA expanded a Salmonella outbreak recall tied to moringa leaf powder supplements, now linked to 119 illnesses across 36 states, with 32 hospitalizations. Cancer Screening Access: Ohio State researchers report unmet health-related social needs—especially housing instability and transportation barriers—are linked to lower colorectal cancer screening rates, with the biggest impact for ages 50–64. Local Wellness & Care: AAA7’s long-term care ombudsman program highlights volunteer roles that help seniors access rights and reduce isolation. Ohio Health Tech: VA is rolling out new electronic health record systems in Ohio and Kentucky. Community Health Tips: Nationwide Children’s Hospital finds moderate screen time after concussion may speed recovery compared with too little or too much. Health & Daily Living: A “Dear Dr. Roach” Q&A explains why constipation can linger after colonoscopy and when to consider medication causes or probiotics. Wellness in the Community: A Lisbon cyclist will pilot a blind athlete on an 863-mile Race Across the West, spotlighting inclusive endurance sports.

Local Health Access: The Christ Hospital’s Liberty Township Birthing Center opened Cincinnati’s first breast milk dispensary, partnering with the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank so families with a prescription can get pasteurized, screened donor milk closer to home. Health Care Workforce & Training: Gov. DeWine, Lt. Gov. Tressel and JobsOhio announced a $300M JobsOhio Experiential Learning Initiative to help Ohio employers upskill and hire for in-demand technical roles, including healthcare. Patient Safety & Care Quality: A West Chester nursing home lost a lawsuit after a jury found it caused an 83-year-old resident’s death in 2024, according to court reporting. Public Health & Prevention: Dermatologists warn shoppers to be careful buying Korean sunscreen online, citing safety concerns and urging people to check what they’re getting. Community Wellness Support: Game Changers and the Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation launched a health and wellness scholarship aimed at expanding careers beyond traditional medical paths. Health Tech in Ohio: 4U Solutions and Headsafe US partnered to expand access in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to Nurochek, an FDA-cleared portable EEG tool that can aid concussion diagnosis. Fraud Watch: Ohio Auditor of State’s investigators pursued a former Jackson County Combined General Health District employee for theft tied to double-paid hours across public jobs. Safety Update: Toledo officials say nine of 12 people injured in a festival shooting have been released from hospitals, with no arrests yet and a dispute between rival groups cited as a possible spark.

Medicaid Caregiver Fight: Ohio lawmakers removed a proposal that would have banned Medicaid payments to paid family caregivers after disabled residents and advocates pushed back hard at the Statehouse. Public Health Policy: Ohio lawmakers also reversed course on home healthcare limits after backlash, keeping more people able to receive care at home. Maternal Mental Health: A new look at postpartum depression highlights how rates have risen and why it’s more than “baby blues,” with untreated cases linked to serious risks. Emergency Preparedness: After the Toledo Old West End Festival shooting, local doctors stressed the value of free “Stop the Bleed” training for life-saving bleeding control. Air Quality: Toledo officials explained how ground-level ozone forms in summer and who should take extra precautions. Community Health Services: Southwoods Health marked 30 years of expanding access to care in the Mahoning Valley, including surgery, imaging, rehab, home health, and sleep medicine. Sports & Health Tech: Research on AI in healthcare found transparency can boost trust, but higher diagnostic accuracy may not always increase patient trust. EMS Week: Gov. DeWine signed a bill creating “EMS Week in Ohio” to spotlight emergency medical services.

Public Health & Access: A new study presented at SLEEP 2026 finds rural Ohio patients at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea are less likely to be referred for evaluation than urban patients, even after accounting for individual and neighborhood factors—highlighting a referral gap that could delay diagnosis and treatment. Infectious Disease Watch: Ohio tick risk is rising as tick populations expand, with experts pointing to growing Lyme disease numbers and urging long sleeves, repellent, and regular tick checks. Community Safety: Toledo police continue a manhunt after a shooting near the Old West End Festival left 12 people wounded; officials say it appears at least two people fired and may have been “shooting at each other,” with victims reported stable and improving. Health Policy & Fraud: Ohio and federal partners announced a crackdown on SNAP benefit fraud, issuing violations to 19 retailers across Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus. Local Health Systems: Cleveland EMS is shifting toward prevention and community-connected care, expanding follow-ups after 911 calls and support for frequent users and chronic conditions. Healthcare Coverage: A KFF update reviews how Title X and Medicaid funding pressures have affected Planned Parenthood clinic access since 2025.

Medicaid & Caregiving: Gov. DeWine signed emergency rules to tighten Medicaid provider revalidation, aiming to curb fraud—while disabled Ohioans and family caregivers warn proposed limits on paying family caregivers for help with daily tasks could leave people stuck in bed. Public Health Policy: The DOJ reached a resolution with Cleveland Clinic over pediatric “gender-affirming care,” including commitments not to provide sex-rejecting procedures for minors. Juvenile Justice: DeWine and DYS broke ground on four smaller, downsized juvenile corrections facilities in Northeast Ohio to replace a large Cuyahoga Hills site, citing safer, more personalized treatment. Safety & Health Access: USPS launched a “Dog Bite Awareness” campaign after thousands of dog attacks on mail carriers, urging customers to secure pets during delivery hours. Local Health & Wellness Community: Riverfest celebrated the Mahoning River’s environmental rebound, and a Salem soap box derby highlighted inclusive recreation for kids with special needs. Ohio Crime With Health Impact: Police continued searching after a Toledo street festival shooting left 12 injured, including two in critical condition, with investigators saying gunmen may have been firing at each other.

Toledo Festival Shooting: Gunfire near Toledo’s Old West End Festival left at least 12 people wounded, including two in critical condition, as police searched for at least two suspects and urged anyone with photos or videos to come forward; organizers canceled the rest of the event. West Chester Police Use of Force: Bodycam footage described a West Chester officer fatally shooting a 39-year-old man after he allegedly held a knife to a woman’s throat; the woman was treated and released, and multiple agencies are investigating. Mental Health Access (Central Ohio): A local psychiatrist highlighted how to find help through Ohio mental health partners and reminded residents to call or text 988 during crises. Nutrition & Inflammation Study (OSU): Researchers reported tomato-soy juice rich in plant compounds lowered inflammation-related blood markers in adults with obesity after four weeks. Local Health & Safety Funding: Painesville officials sought a FEMA grant to add firefighter-paramedics, citing nearly doubled call volume since staffing cuts. Community Wellness Events: Champaign County Library listed upcoming creative and hiking-themed programs for June.

Community Safety: A mass shooting near Toledo’s Old West End Festival left at least 12 people wounded, including two in critical condition, with victims reported ages 14 to 61. Toledo police say the gunfire may have involved at least two shooters who were “probably shooting at each other,” and they’re still searching for suspects after victims were transported to nearby hospitals. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called the incident deeply concerning, saying summer festivals should be safe spaces for families. Local Response: Police urged residents and visitors to avoid the area while investigators review video and ask anyone with photos or clips to come forward. Health Angle: With multiple victims rushed to medical centers, the incident highlights how quickly public events can turn into emergency care surges for local hospitals.

Heart-Brain Link: A new Ohio State Wexner Medical Center study finds heart attack survivors are about 5% more likely to develop cognitive impairment later, underscoring the need to control blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and other heart risks. Kids’ Health in Schools: The American Academy of Pediatrics says recess is essential—not a reward—and warns schools not to cut it for discipline or academics, tying movement breaks to stress regulation and long-term well-being. Substance Use Safety: Ohio’s new law clarifies K-12 schools can carry and administer naloxone/Narcan, as overdose reversal access becomes a bigger focus amid rising teen overdoses. Mental Health Records Access: A report highlights how families struggle to get long-dead relatives’ psychiatric records, with some states changing rules slowly. Community Health Funding: The Janie Altmeyer Think Pink Fund donated $90,000 to WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s Breast Care Center to support patient testing and comfort needs. Local Wellness Access: West Chester’s new Kroger Marketplace adds a pharmacy with drive-thru plus food options like sushi and Murray’s Cheese, expanding everyday health-related convenience. Public Health & Safety: A new Wheeling task force aims to tackle homelessness with a broad mix of faith, health, public safety, and community voices.

Medicaid & fraud enforcement: Ohio Attorney General Yost sued Superior Air-Ground Ambulance over alleged deceptive out-of-network billing and missing required cost estimates, adding to a broader push to crack down on health care fraud. Care access for complex needs: UC and Ohio State researchers found adults with developmental disabilities in integrated psychiatric-and-primary care had lower odds of emergency visits and hospitalization, pointing to better co-located care models. Public health & safety: Ohio lawmakers are weighing guardrails on license plate reader data sharing as privacy concerns grow, while Ohio also faces lead-line replacement debate—mandating replacement statewide could cost billions and strain local budgets. Community wellness & prevention: A beginner kayaking class series at Ottawa Metro Park highlights how outdoor activity can support physical and mental health, and USPS launched a dog-bite prevention campaign after thousands of carrier attacks. Local health services: Riverview Health of Defiance is adding PA-C Karen Westhoven with new primary-care appointment hours, expanding access close to home. Health-adjacent local news: A roundabout project in Rossford is disrupting business traffic, and a serious Fulton County crash involving a USPS mail truck sent a mail carrier to Toledo for serious injuries.